Specialized &#34;toothbrush/floss&#34; holder (with retractable wall-mount)

ABSTRACT

This holder was designed for more hygienic conditions for toothbrushes being stored and to promote the use and importance of flossing. By designing an outwardly “angled” egg-shaped and oval pattern for different sized holes, specifically for the use of various sizes and thicknesses, so that the residue of paste after brushing and rinsing drips off and away from the back of the toothbrush bristles.  
     Unfortunately, flossing is often overlooked as a result of how it is stored in our cabinets, sinks, drawers, etc. and often knocked around. This is the primary reason this floss/toothbrush holder was designed. It is adaptable to most sizes and shapes of floss container styles. The holder can be retractable by two hidden T-slots and is compact in size with one spot faced thru hole, for steadying, and has designer plugs to cap it.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This useful toothbrush holder is designed for improved sanitary bathroom conditions. It emphasizes the importance of flossing by positioning the floss in the front of the holder, and rounded end containers in the rear.

[0002] The cut out in front of the toothbrush/floss holder is angled 5 degrees (front/back and sides), making the floss container at a more “eye catching” reachable position, to take out, use, and simply drop back into place. The sides of the slot are at 5 degrees to match the angle of the floss containers that are “angled” and the angled slope opening is at the right length to take advantage of the different sizes available. This will put a focus on the use of flossing by having it in sight and reach while being “stored along with the toothbrushes.” The “six holes” for the toothbrushes are angled at 8 degrees outward to allow for the residue or rinse water, which usually collects on the back of the toothbrush after brushing, to “drip off” and away from the back, thus, avoiding any “cake-up” or build up, making the toothbrushes more sanitary for using.

[0003] The six toothbrush holes, at 8 degrees outward, are also “egg-shaped” . . . the smaller two, across from each other located closest to the front, are {fraction (15/32)}″×½″, the second two across from each other are ½″×{fraction (17/32)}″, and the last set across from each other (especially designed for thick rubber or plastic toothbrush handles) are {fraction (17/32)}″×{fraction (9/16)}″. The front of both sides are angles IN at 10 degrees and corners have radiuses.

[0004] The rinse cup holder has 4 degree sides and a 1 degree “cone” cup shape on the bottom of the countersunk spotface, to allow for the average angle of cups used. The 1 degree bottom face helps the cup “seat” itself The design of the floss, cup, toothbrush mounting holder has 32 degree angled sides toward the center bottom of the mounting hole, and has a 1.00″ radius around the hole and is blended into 32 degree angles. That angle is also tapered inward at 8 degrees and then curved 10 degrees FLAT to match the toothbrush holder on top. This mounting holder is compact to fit in tight, cramped areas and can be “mounted permanent” with three hold down machine pan head screws, or can be mounted with hidden T-slots so that it is “adjustable” and can be taken off and cleaned when needed. To put back up, simply slide down on the two keyways cut out on the back. The same two holes (center) at top are used for a permanent mount as well. * However, in order to “re-alien” the hole “center” for a ¼-20 permanent mount, there are two washers made especially for that use. Just take the washers out, if desired, to go with an adjustable slide on slide out mount. There are also three ½″×¾″ Designer Plugs to cover the three mounting holes in the front after installed.

[0005] In the back top front of this holder, there is a “round ball slot” for holding round-ended floss containers and square ones will fit in the back as well. This specialized floss/toothbrush holder will prevent the tipping over of floss or the overseeing of the act of flossing.

IMPORTANT DETAIL OF MANUFACTURING OPTIONS

[0006] The three ½×{fraction (3/4)} designer plugs and the three thru holes, will NOT be necessary or needed IF the adjustable mount if sufficient and more practical in manufacturing. It would be simpler to mount and easier to remove, clean, and put back again, by simply lifting up and out to remove and then push in and down to re-install. I believe, the (no thru-holes) style would be better suited for more cost effective manufacturing and make for easier use and convenience for the millions of homeowners, and would be very effectively used in the commercial and business market; such as: apartment complexes, business firms, and sea-going vessels (cruise ships, work boats, yachts, and commercial water crafts, etc. 

I. what I claim as my invention is: the designer plug to (cover ½″ spot faced ¼″ thru hole described in drawing #
 2. II. I claim: one ¼″ thru hole by ½″ spot face on base mount holding bracket (to secure any movement) an alternative claim for the purpose of claim
 1. III. I claim: two T-slots on the back of the base mount holding bracket, described in drawing #2, (for quick and easy accessibility to retract/adjust for cleaning etc.) IV. I claim: the concept of and for angling and angled thru holes, specifically designated for toothbrushes on a wall-mounted holder (for easy removal and improved hygienic conditions). V. I claim: the alternative of claim IV for the different sized oval/egg-shaped angled thru holes sizes {fraction (17/32)}″ by {fraction (9/16)}″-½″ by {fraction (17/32)}″-{fraction (15/32)}″ by ½″ (for different sized and thicknesses of toothbrush handles). VI. I claim: the concept of and having a flossing container “holder”. VII. I claim: the alternative claim VI a designeted holder to (suite a 5 degree angled floss container) designed with a 2.0″ inch long 5 degree opening, and a ¾″ inch wide, 5 degree “outwardly angled” opening slot with a ¼″ inch lip of the 2.0″ inch length for a total 1.5 inch thru opening (for easy natural movement of accessing floss). VIII. I claim: the alternative of claim VI the concept of a ⅜ inch rounded ball-shaped slot (to access round ended floss containers). IX. I claim: the alternative of claim VII a ⅜″ inch wide by {fraction (19/16)}″ long rounded ball slot specifically designated for a wall-mounted holder. 